Time's Flight.

Tliis made us think that we mi ght do the same thing with our own precious skeletons , a by no means comfortable reflection , especially under such circumstances . I had made up my mind to save my life by swimming to the beacon , and getting into its pigeon-house like top , just to save Old Neptune the trouble of swallowing me . I had noticed an opening in one of its sides when passing it . Fear number three was cut short by smoke in the distance . A large steamer soon came in sight , evidently making her passage through the deep water channel which appeared to he a great way from us , as the steamer took a tremendous turn to clear the sands . We waved our

pocket handkerchiefs as signals of distress but with no good effect , the steamship went on and on , apparently , without noticing us Farewell to all hope of a rescue . But , as " Hope springs eternal in the human breast , " Hope suggested that if we could not push our boat off , we might be able to pull it over the sands , there was deep water to the rig ht and not far away . We thanked Hope by " deeds not words , " stripped and jumped overboard , one

going to each bow , and one to each side . The sand was firm to our feet , and we went to work manfully . " Now then . " Not another word was spoken , we worked together and shoved tho boat , the water deepened , she soon floated , in wc scrambled , up went the sails , and away we steered into deep water ; which now looked as blue as possible . We resumed our habiliments as tho boat sailed lazily along ; gradually we reached lire outer channel , and in a short time si ghted and passed some' large merchant'ships , which we guessed were outward bound .

fhe Mouse Light vessel was the next object of interest that came to our view . The sight of this red ship made us feel at home , for now wo knew our bearings , and also that we were going on in the right way to get back again to our starting point . More outward bound ships passed us , and we gave them a cheer , which was responded lo . The day was drawing to its close , it was seven o' clock ; the tide was in our favour , but as we were sailing against the wind , we did not make much headway ; so we

essayed another trial at pulling . By our exertions we certainly helped the boat on , if only a little , and the sails wore better filled , which increased our rate of progression . _ "We approached the Light Vessel and passed it . Then our old friend The Nore with its revolving light became visible in the distance . The li ght of day faded away , aucUhe shades of evening prevailed ; but still we had our friend ' s restless head which

( appeared to wink at us , first with one eye , and then with the other ) to guide us on our way . At nine o ' clock we made the Light Vessel and were saluted by the raoming of a gun , fired from the Flag-ship anchored in the harbour four miles off . With scarcely a breath of wind , pulling by turns , and having to tack about , first on a " long-leg , " and then on a short one , we found ourselves very tired , and wishing that tlie triwas overThere was the harbour liht little to riht had onlto

p . ga our g , so we y make for it , this could not be done without tacking , the wind having freshened we made Wore headway , and after a considerable distance had been gone over , it was discovered 'bat we had mistaken the Chapman Light at Sea Reach for one in the harbour , which wter all was on our left .

We soon put about , and sailed for land and home . " Look out , starboard bow 1 " ^ There was a rushing noise , and a huge black mass passed just ahead of us . It was ^ close that it appeared more like an island floating out to sea , than anything else , efi , that was a narrow escape , at any rate , from being run down by a large vessel . linU - * P * °° k ou 1 i a ^ ter ^ "s c ^ ose s ^ lave > all & were not at ease until the harbour SMs twinkled distinctland those the Guard Shishowed broad

y , on p as a " arrow . " Ij , p e clouds were now clearing away , and the moon shed a flood of bright and silvery , l ! f ] around , the rippling waves sparkled with phosphorescent light , and danced a stairy-like bri ghtness against the sides ' of our boat in quick succession . uioi t grim ° Id forfcs and "half moon" battery , stood out in bold relief , while the nster guns y ^ h . p months scorned to yawn defiance . The sails were now clewed